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Best Shopify Apps to Build an Online Store: 10 Essential Apps for Scalability in 2026

22 min read
Jan 9, 2026
Best Shopify Apps to Build an Online Store: 10 Essential Apps for Scalability in 2026

Shopify makes it easy to launch an online store. Choosing the right apps is harder. The Shopify App Store now offers over 15,000 apps, covering a wide range of functionalities, including SEO, email marketing, loyalty programs, page builders, and customer support.

That abundance is a strength, but it’s also where many stores run into trouble. Finding the best apps, including must-have and innovative Shopify apps, can be both a challenge and an opportunity, as the right selection can dramatically improve store performance, customer engagement, and growth.

Pick overlapping apps, and workflows get messy. Choose the wrong ones, and growth stalls before it starts.

In 2026, successful Shopify stores take a more disciplined approach. Instead of stacking apps for every possible scenario, they focus on a lean, intentional setup that supports conversion, retention, and customer experience without unnecessary complexity. Every tool earns its place.

When considering accessibility and pricing, it’s important to note that many free Shopify apps are available to help streamline operations and boost engagement, though they may have feature limitations. For those seeking advanced capabilities, the premium features offered in paid plans can provide additional value, including automation, exclusive functions, and enhanced user experiences.

In this article, you will learn:

And this guide highlights 10 Shopify apps that do exactly that.

How we selected these Shopify apps

The list of applications is based on the actual functioning of Shopify stores in 2026, rather than abstract comparisons of features or short-term trends.  As stores grow, merchants face recurring challenges: attracting qualified traffic, converting visitors into customers, retaining them, and supporting buyers without adding unnecessary tools or operational overhead.

Every app included here addresses one or more of those real-world needs.

We focused on tools that are currently actively used by ecommerce teams. Older tools that haven’t kept pace, or apps designed for very narrow use cases, were intentionally left out.

Accessibility also played an important role. Most of the apps in this list offer free plans, trials, or low-risk entry pricing. It allows merchants to test performance, integrations, and impact before committing to a long-term commitment. In an ecosystem as crowded as Shopify’s, the ability to validate value quickly is critical.

When evaluating each app, we looked beyond feature lists and focused on practical adoption factors, including:

Taken together, they support essential functions such as SEO, marketing, design, retention, and customer support. The result is a focused and scalable setup that helps Shopify stores grow without adding unnecessary complexity or slowing down performance.

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What the best Shopify apps help you achieve?

A strong customer experience begins with speed, clarity, and consistency. Apps that improve page performance, simplify navigation, and support real-time communication help keep shoppers engaged and confident as they browse. When customers can find what they need and get quick answers, they’re more likely to move from interest to purchase.

Well-implemented Shopify apps also play a direct role in improving conversion rates and increasing average order value (AOV). Tools that support upsells, cross-sells, personalized messaging, and optimized product pages help merchants capture more value from existing traffic, without relying solely on paid acquisition.

The best Shopify apps can also increase sales and foster customer loyalty by converting one-time buyers into loyal customers through features such as rewards, incentives, and subscription management.

Retention is another critical outcome. Email marketing and loyalty apps make it easier to stay connected after the first purchase, encourage repeat orders, and reward long-term customers. Loyalty and rewards programs are especially effective at keeping customers coming back, helping to build familiarity and trust, and turning one-time buyers into returning customers.

Behind the scenes, performance and visibility matter just as much. SEO and optimization apps help keep stores fast, discoverable, and competitive in search results, while automation tools reduce repetitive manual work as order volume grows. Many apps also support dropshipping business models and connect stores to dropshipping marketplaces, streamlining operations and expanding product offerings.

The Shopify app stack for 2026

Not every Shopify app earns a permanent place in your store. As your business grows, the tools you rely on should help you move faster, make better decisions, and deliver smoother experiences for customers, without adding unnecessary complexity.

This stack features top Shopify apps for different needs, including those that enable the creation and sale of custom products, as well as platforms that support unlimited reviews to boost social proof and search visibility.

 search visibility.

ToolPrimary useBest forPricing model
Influencer HeroInfluencer and UGC managementDTC brands running influencer or affiliate programsSubscription-based
EComposerPage building & layout designMarketing and growth teamsFree plan + paid tiers
GrowaveLoyalty, referrals, and reviewsBrands focused on retentionTiered pricing
SegunoEmail marketingShopify merchants starting or scaling emailFree tier + paid plans
TinyIMG SEO and Image OptimizerSEO and performance optimizationStores focused on organic trafficFree plan + paid tiers
AvadaSEO, email, and CRO toolkitSmall to mid-sized storesFree and paid plans
PageFlyAdvanced page buildingCampaign-driven marketing teamsFree and paid plans
OptiMonkOn-site CRO and pop-upsStores focused on conversion optimizationFree plan + paid tiers
Easify AppsDiscounts and pricing logicStores running complex promotionsApp-specific pricing
MetizsoftCustom Shopify developmentGrowing or complex storesProject-based

1. Influencer Hero

Influencer Hero is a user-generated content (UGC) management platform built specifically for ecommerce brands. It helps Shopify merchants manage the entire influencer marketing workflow in one place, from discovering creators to tracking campaign performance.

The platform supports outreach and relationship management, making it easier to organize creator collaborations without relying on spreadsheets or scattered communication tools. Brands can track influencer campaigns, monitor content usage, and understand how creator-driven traffic performs once it reaches the store.

Influencer Hero also helps merchants repurpose UGC across their marketing efforts. Creator content can support landing pages, product pages, email campaigns, and ads, assisting stores in building trust and social proof throughout the customer journey.

Why it stands out
Influencer Hero turns creator partnerships into a scalable and repeatable growth channel. Instead of managing influencer campaigns manually or treating each collaboration as a one-off effort, the platform helps brands build structured programs that are easier to optimize over time.

Teams can identify which partnerships drive meaningful engagement and focus resources where they deliver the most value by centralizing creator data, campaign results, and performance insights. t

Best for
Best suited for DTC brands running influencer or affiliate programs, or planning to invest more seriously in creator-led growth. It works particularly well for teams that want clearer attribution, better organization, and greater consistency in their collaboration with creators.

Pricing
Subscription-based, with plans depending on features and usage.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating 4.5(59)

Complements
Email marketing platforms, review apps, and customer support tools.

How LiveChat complements this app
Influencer-driven traffic often arrives with questions. Shoppers coming from creator content may want clarification about product details, sizing, shipping, or returns before making a purchase. LiveChat helps capture that demand in real time by answering questions at the moment of intent.

When paired with Influencer Hero, LiveChat helps increase conversion rates from influencer campaigns by reducing friction during the decision-making stage. It also provides support teams with visibility into where customers are coming from, enabling them to tailor responses and offer faster, more relevant assistance.

2. EComposer

EComposer is a drag-and-drop page builder for Shopify that gives merchants complete control over how their storefront looks and functions, without requiring custom code. Using a visual editor, teams can create and customize landing pages, homepages, product pages, and collection pages with a high level of flexibility.

The tool is built for speed and iteration. Merchants can adjust layouts, add or remove sections, and publish changes quickly, making it easier to respond to campaigns, seasonal promotions, or new product launches without waiting for developer resources. It’s especially valuable for growing stores that need to test ideas frequently and move fast without introducing technical debt.

EComposer also supports consistent design across the store. Teams can reuse components, maintain visual standards, and make incremental improvements over time. Instead of treating pages as static assets, stores can continuously refine layouts based on performance, customer behavior, or merchandising priorities.

Why it stands out
EComposer strikes a balance between flexibility and usability. While it offers advanced customization options, the interface remains approachable for non-technical users. Marketing and ecommerce teams can experiment with layouts, messaging, and page structure without slowing down operations or relying heavily on developers.

Best for
Best suited for merchants who want more control over page design without custom development. It’s beneficial for marketing and growth teams that manage campaigns, promotions, or frequent content updates and need the freedom to make changes quickly.

Pricing
EComposer offers a free plan, with paid tiers unlocking advanced components, templates, and additional customization features.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating Rating 4.9 (3,405)

Complements
Conversion optimization tools, review apps, analytics platforms, and on-site messaging tools.

How LiveChat complements this app
Custom pages built with EComposer are often designed to convert high-intent traffic, such as visitors arriving from campaigns, influencer links, or email promotions. LiveChat adds a real-time support layer to these pages by answering questions directly where purchase decisions happen.

When shoppers hesitate or need clarification on product details, shipping, or returns, LiveChat helps remove friction in the moment. Combined with EComposer’s flexible page design, LiveChat turns optimized layouts into more effective conversion points by pairing strong visuals with immediate, human support.

3. Growave

Growave is an all-in-one marketing and retention platform for Shopify that combines loyalty programs, referrals, wishlists, and customer reviews into a single system. It helps merchants reward customers not only for purchases, but also for engagement actions such as referrals, reviews, and account activity, encouraging repeat buying behavior over time.

Apps like Growave help increase customer loyalty and retention by rewarding customers for various actions, turning one-time buyers into repeat customers, and boosting overall customer engagement.

Growave reduces the need to install and manage multiple retention-focused apps by centralizing these features. Customer engagement data is centralized, making it easier for teams to understand how shoppers interact with loyalty programs, track participation, and align rewards with broader marketing efforts. 

Why it stands out
Growave’s strength lies in its simplicity. Instead of piecing together different tools for loyalty, referrals, and reviews, merchants can manage retention strategies through a single interface. It makes loyalty programs easier to launch, maintain, and optimize, especially for teams that want clear visibility into customer engagement without added complexity. These programs help turn shoppers into loyal customers and encourage repeat business by offering rewards, incentives, and referral opportunities.

Best for
Best suited for brands focused on retention, referrals, and long-term customer relationships. It works well for stores that want to increase repeat purchases and reward ongoing engagement without managing multiple platforms. It is also suitable for brands seeking to run an affiliate program in conjunction with loyalty and referral initiatives.

Pricing
Tiered pricing based on features and store size.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating 4.8 (1,216)

Complements
Email marketing platforms, CRM tools, analytics solutions, and customer support software.

How LiveChat complements this app
Loyalty programs often raise questions, especially around points, rewards, and referral conditions. LiveChat helps support loyalty-driven customers by answering these questions in real time, directly within the shopping experience.

When paired with Growave, LiveChat confusion and friction surround program participation. Support teams can quickly clarify how rewards work, assist customers in redeeming benefits, and resolve issues before they escalate to frustration or result in abandoned purchases.

4. Seguno

Seguno is an email marketing platform built specifically for Shopify, designed to help merchants communicate with customers using data that already lives in their store. It supports newsletters, automated campaigns, and transactional emails. 

Seguno is native to Shopify, setup is straightforward, and doesn’t require complex integrations or data syncing. Segmentation is closely tied to real-world store activity, including purchases, order history, and customer behavior. It makes it easier to send relevant messages without spending time managing disconnected lists or external data sources.

Seguno is well-suited for ongoing communication, from post-purchase follow-ups and promotions to announcements and re-engagement campaigns. For teams that want reliable email marketing without a steep learning curve, it offers a practical, focused approach.

Why it stands out

Seguno removes much of the complexity typically associated with email marketing platforms. Its tight integration with Shopify allows merchants to get started quickly and run effective campaigns without building advanced workflows or managing multiple tools. This simplicity makes it easier for smaller teams to maintain consistency in their email communication.

Best for

Best suited for Shopify merchants who are starting email marketing or looking to scale existing campaigns without adding technical overhead. It works well for teams that value ease of use and native Shopify integration.

Pricing

A free tier is available, with paid plans based on subscriber list size.

Shopify rating

⭐ Rating 4.8 (679)

Complements

Loyalty platforms, review apps, analytics tools, customer support software, push notifications, and registration forms. Push notifications can be used in conjunction with email and SMS to automate targeted campaigns and enhance customer engagement, while registration forms, often accessible through form builder apps, help collect customer feedback, inquiries, and lead generation data.

How LiveChat complements this app

Email marketing supports longer-term engagement, but it can’t address questions in real time. LiveChat fills that gap by capturing immediate customer inquiries during browsing or checkout.

Seguno and LiveChat cover both ongoing communication and instant support. Email nurtures relationships over time, while LiveChat helps resolve questions at the moment they matter most, reducing friction and improving conversion.

5. TinyIMG  

TinyIMG helps Shopify stores enhance site performance and search visibility by automating image optimization and core SEO tasks. Optimizing images and metadata not only boosts search rankings but also directly enhances the site's performance, resulting in faster load times and a superior user experience. The app compresses image files to reduce page load times while maintaining visual quality, which is especially important for product-heavy stores.

Thanks to automating these tasks, the app helps merchants improve their store’s technical foundation without requiring manual optimization or specialized SEO knowledge.

TinyIMG is designed to work quietly in the background. Once set up, it continuously improves performance and SEO hygiene, allowing teams to focus on content, merchandising, and marketing rather than routine technical maintenance.

Why it stands out

TinyIMG simplifies SEO and performance optimization by focusing on tasks that have a clear impact but are easy to overlook. Instead of overwhelming merchants with complex settings, it prioritizes practical improvements that support faster load times and better search visibility.  It makes it a valuable tool for stores that want to achieve measurable performance gains without managing a comprehensive SEO workflow.

Best for

TinyIMG is best suited for Shopify stores focused on organic traffic, page speed, and overall site performance, especially those without dedicated SEO resources.

Pricing

A free plan is available, with paid tiers unlocking advanced automation and optimization features.

Shopify rating

⭐ Rating 5.0 (2,035)

Complements

SEO tools, analytics platforms, performance monitoring tools, and conversion optimization apps.

How LiveChat complements this app

SEO and performance improvements help bring visitors to your store, but conversions depend on what happens next. LiveChat helps turn that traffic into sales by answering questions quickly once visitors land on optimized pages.

When shoppers arrive via search and need reassurance about products, shipping, or policies, live chat reduces friction at the decision stage.

6. Avada

Avada offers a suite of tools designed to help Shopify merchants improve store performance across several key areas, including SEO, email marketing, and conversion optimization. Avada reduces the need for multiple separate apps, allowing merchants to address common growth needs from a single platform instead of managing a collection of individual solutions.

The app focuses on practical optimizations that support everyday ecommerce operations. Merchants can enhance search visibility, run targeted email campaigns, and implement on-site enhancements designed to increase conversions, all without needing to manage separate tools or integrations.

Why it stands out
Avada’s breadth is its main differentiator. With its coverage of multiple optimization and marketing functions in one solution, it appeals to stores that want to streamline their app stack. Avada enhances the store's functionality by providing a broad set of optimization tools in one platform, improving features, design, and conversion rates.

For merchants who prefer fewer tools and simpler maintenance, Avada provides a way to address several growth priorities without adding operational complexity.

Best for
Best suited for small to mid-sized Shopify stores that want broad optimization capabilities without managing a large number of individual apps.

Pricing
Both free and paid plans are available, allowing merchants to start small and expand features as their store grows.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating 4.9 (4,161)

Complements
Design tools, analytics platforms, performance monitoring tools, and customer support software.

How LiveChat complements this app
While Avada helps optimize store visibility, marketing, and on-site performance, LiveChat supports the human side of conversion. Real-time conversations help address customer questions and concerns that optimization alone can’t resolve.

Avada and LiveChat cover both sides of the buying journey: behind-the-scenes improvements and front-line customer interactions that directly influence purchasing decisions.

7. PageFly

PageFly is an advanced page builder for Shopify, offering merchants precise control over page layout and design. It enables teams to create custom landing pages, product sections, and promotional layouts using a visual editor, eliminating the need for custom code.

The platform is handy for campaign-driven work. Merchants can design pages tailored to specific traffic sources, promotions, or product launches, and quickly adjust layouts as performance data becomes available. This makes PageFly a practical tool for testing messaging, structure, and visual elements over time.

Why it stands out
PageFly’s flexibility supports more complex design and experimentation needs than standard Shopify editors. Marketing teams can iterate on page structure, run A/B-style tests, and refine campaigns without waiting on development resources. This ability to test and adjust quickly enables teams to respond to performance insights in real-time.

Best for
PageFly is best suited for marketing and growth teams that run frequent campaigns and need detailed control over landing pages and promotional sections.

Pricing
Both free and paid plans are available, with higher tiers unlocking additional features and usage limits.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating 4.9 (5,803)

Complements
Conversion rate optimization tools, analytics platforms, and customer communication tools.

How LiveChat complements this app
Campaign pages often attract high-intent visitors who are close to making a purchase but still need reassurance or clarification. LiveChat adds a human layer to PageFly-built pages by providing real-time answers to questions about products, pricing, or policies.

When paired with PageFly, live chat helps remove last-minute friction, turning well-designed campaign pages into more effective conversion points.

8. OptiMonk

OptiMonk helps Shopify merchants create targeted pop-ups and on-site messages that respond to visitor behavior in real time. These messages can appear based on factors such as exit intent, time on page, traffic source, or user actions, allowing stores to engage visitors at key moments during their browsing journey.

The platform is commonly used to capture leads, promote offers, reduce cart abandonment, and guide visitors toward conversion.OptiMonk enables merchants to influence decisions without redirecting shoppers or disrupting their experience by placing contextual messages directly on the site.

Why it stands out
OptiMonk’s advanced targeting capabilities enable personalized on-site messaging without the need for complex technical setups. Merchants can tailor messages to different audience segments and behaviors, helping ensure that pop-ups feel relevant rather than intrusive. This balance between control and usability makes it easier to run effective CRO experiments at scale.

Best for
Best suited for Shopify stores focused on conversion rate optimization and lead capture, particularly for teams looking to test offers, messaging, and incentives without requiring extensive development work.

Pricing
A free plan is available, with paid tiers unlocking advanced targeting, customization, and analytics features.

Shopify rating
⭐ Rating 4.8 (442)

Complements
Email marketing platforms, analytics tools, and performance tracking solutions.

How LiveChat complements this app
When a pop-up sparks interest or raises questions, LiveChat provides a direct channel for follow-up conversations. Visitors can ask for clarification about offers, products, or conditions without leaving the page.

Together, OptiMonk and LiveChat help maintain engagement at critical moments. Targeted messaging captures attention, while LiveChat ensures that interested visitors get the answers they need to move forward confidently.

9. Easify Apps

Easify Apps offers a collection of utility-focused Shopify apps designed to address specific operational challenges, including discounts, pricing logic, and product rules. These tools enable merchants to implement more advanced promotional and pricing scenarios that exceed Shopify’s default capabilities.

Easify focuses on solving clearly defined problems. Merchants can apply custom rules to products, control how discounts behave, and manage complex pricing conditions without relying on custom development. It makes it easier to run sophisticated promotions while keeping store operations manageable.

Why it stands out
Easify Apps stands out by directly addressing Shopify's limitations and avoiding unnecessary complexity. Each app is built to do one job well, making it easier for merchants to add functionality only where it’s needed. 

Best for
Best suited for Shopify stores running complex promotions, tiered discounts, or conditional pricing rules that require more control than standard Shopify features provide.

Pricing
Pricing varies by app, with plans tailored to specific functionality and usage.

Shopify rating

⭐ Rating:

Easify Custom Product Options 4.9 (2,087)

Easify Box Bundle Builder BYOB 4.9 (131)

Easify Product Attachments 4.9 (111)

Complements
Promotion and campaign tools, analytics platforms, and customer support software.

How LiveChat complements this app
Complex promotions often raise questions at checkout. LiveChat helps clarify discount rules, eligibility, and pricing conditions in real time, reducing uncertainty during the buying process.

10. Metizsoft

Metizsoft offers Shopify development and customization services for merchants whose needs exceed what off-the-shelf apps can provide. It includes custom features, integrations, theme modifications, and tailored solutions designed to support more complex business requirements.

For growing stores, Metizsoft helps bridge the gap between standard Shopify functionality and fully custom ecommerce setups. Instead of forcing workflows into existing tools, merchants can build solutions that match their specific operational, design, or integration needs.

Why it stands out
Metizsoft fills technical gaps when apps alone aren’t enough. Its focus on custom development makes it a practical option for merchants who have outgrown standard app-based solutions but want to stay within the Shopify ecosystem.

By providing tailored implementations, Metizsoft helps stores scale without compromising performance or usability.

Best for
Best suited for growing or complex Shopify stores that require custom functionality, advanced integrations, or specialized workflows.

Pricing
Project-based pricing, depending on scope and complexity.

Shopify rating

⭐ Sample Rating

Metizsoft AGE VERIFIER ⭐ Rating 4.4 (9)

Metizsoft GDPR Cookie Compiler ⭐Rating 4.7 (72)

Complements
Core Shopify tools, third-party integrations, analytics platforms, and customer support software.

How LiveChat complements this app
Custom features and integrations often introduce new questions for customers. LiveChat helps support teams handle those inquiries efficiently once new functionality goes live.

By providing real-time assistance, LiveChat ensures that custom enhancements improve the customer experience rather than create friction, helping merchants get full value from tailored development work.

Which Shopify app is right for you?

If you want to…Start with this app
Build landing pages and customize layouts without codeEComposer or PageFly
Turn influencer marketing into a repeatable growth channelInfluencer Hero
Increase repeat purchases with loyalty and referralsGrowave
Run simple, native email campaigns tied to Shopify dataSeguno
Improve SEO and page speed without manual optimizationTinyIMG 
Cover SEO, email, and CRO with fewer toolsAvada
Optimize conversions with targeted pop-ups and on-site messagesOptiMonk
Run complex discounts and pricing rulesEasify Apps
Build custom Shopify features beyond existing appsMetizsoft
Answer customer questions in real time and improve conversionsLiveChat

Email marketing, loyalty, and retention

Looking across the tools in this list, a clear pattern emerges: the apps that deliver the most long-term value are the ones focused on retention. Email marketing and loyalty programs consistently remain among the highest-ROI channels in ecommerce because they build on existing relationships.

Email platforms work best when they’re tightly connected to Shopify customer and order data. It allows merchants to follow up after purchases, re-engage inactive customers, and promote relevant offers based on real behavior rather than generic segments.

Tools designed specifically for Shopify make this easier to manage without complex setups. These strategies help turn one-time buyers into loyal customers and increase sales over time.

Loyalty apps complement email by rewarding repeat behavior. Points, referrals, and incentives give customers a reason to return, while centralized loyalty data helps merchants understand which actions actually drive lifetime value.

In practice, the most effective Shopify stores treat email marketing and loyalty as connected systems rather than standalone tactics. That alignment is what turns one-time buyers into repeat customers and makes retention a built-in part of daily store operations.

Connect with customers

LiveChat® is a complete customer service platform that delights your customers and fuels your sales.

Trusted by 36,000+ companies

livechat logos
Free 14-day trial

How to choose the right Shopify apps in 2026?

With thousands of options available, choosing Shopify apps in 2026 requires a more deliberate approach than simply adding tools as new needs appear.

Selecting the best apps, including must-have and innovative Shopify apps, is crucial for building a high-performing store that stands out in a competitive market. The most successful stores build their app stack around a small set of priorities and evaluate every new app against them.

Start by focusing on tools that directly support revenue and long-term growth. Apps that improve sales, retention, and customer experience tend to deliver the highest return, especially as traffic and order volume increase. If an app doesn’t clearly support one of these goals, it’s worth questioning whether it belongs in your stack.

Next, watch for overlap. Installing multiple apps that solve the same problem can slow down your store, introduce conflicts, and make everyday operations harder to manage. A lean setup is easier to maintain and usually performs better than a crowded one.

Integration matters just as much as features. Apps should integrate seamlessly with your existing tools and share data where possible, ensuring that customer context, performance insights, and workflows remain connected. This becomes increasingly important as your store scales and teams grow.

When reviewing or adding Shopify apps, use the following checklist:

If customer experience is one of your core priorities, choose apps that connect sales and support, rather than fragmenting them. LiveChat integrates directly with Shopify, giving your team instant access to customer details, order history, and cart activity during live conversations.

That context helps agents answer faster, reduce friction at checkout, and support revenue growth as your store scales.

Connect LiveChat with Shopify.